Bosnia & Hercegovina made their debut in the World Cup finals. This was Iran's fourth appearance in the finals.
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Argentina
Bosnia & Hercegovina
Estádio do Maracanã, Rio de JaneiroAll eyes were on Lionel Messi, four times World Player of the Year and he announced his arrival with a free kick in the third minute that defender Kolasinac turned into his own net. Messi was subdued after that as Argentina sat back but he then scored in the 65th minute after beating two defenders. Bosnia & Hercegovina scored a consolation goal six minutes from time and acquitted themselves well.
Iran
Nigeria
Arena da Baixada, CuritibaBetween them, Iran and Nigeria served up the first really disappointing game of the competition. Little was expected of Iran whose preparations had been hampered by lack of resources, official indifference and, believe it or not, shrinking kit. Nigeria may have had more talent but they played aimlessly, surrendering posession and failing to exploit spaces.
Argentina
Iran
Estádio Mineirão, Belo HorizonteIran were under pressure for much of the first half but had several opportunities to inflict a major upset. As the match entered added time, it looked as if Iran would settle for a well deserved point but then Lionel Messi curled a stunning shot into the far corner to send Argentina into the round of 16.
Nigeria
Bosnia & Hercegovina
Arena Pantanal, CuiabáA second narrow defeat put Bosnia out of the World Cup.
Nigeria
Argentina
Estádio Beira-Rio, Porto AlegreBoth teams could have qualified by ambling towards a no-score draw but, and this is characteristic of this World Cup, instead they served up a five goal feast. Messi's opener (3') was immediately cancelled out by Musa (4') but Argentina scored again (Messi's second) in time added on at the end of the first half. Musa then equalised two minutes after the break but within three minutes, Rojo had restored Argentina's lead. The pace settled own after this as news came through from Salvador that Iran were losing 2-0.
Bosnia & Hercegovina
Iran
Arena Fonte Nova, SalvadorHad Iran won by a couple of goals and Nigeria lost in Port Alegre, they could have gone through. In the event they did not look like scoring at all. Even when Ghoochannejhad did open their account with Iran's first goal of the tournament with eight minutes left, it was immediately cancelled out by Avdija Vrsajevic.